ALLERGY DERMATOLOGIST DOCTOR IN VERO BEACH & PORT SAINT LUCIE

Vero Allergy & Dermatology 
MICHAEL WEIN, MD
Vero Beach / PSL

Allergy Doctor Port Saint Lucie

  • Vero Allergist
  • Dermatology
  • Johns Hopkins
  • Port St Lucie Allergist
  • Vero Beach Allergy
  • More
    • Vero Allergist
    • Dermatology
    • Johns Hopkins
    • Port St Lucie Allergist
    • Vero Beach Allergy

Allergy Doctor Port Saint Lucie

Vero Allergy & Dermatology 
MICHAEL WEIN, MD
Vero Beach / PSL
  • Vero Allergist
  • Dermatology
  • Johns Hopkins
  • Port St Lucie Allergist
  • Vero Beach Allergy

CLEVELAND CLINIC MARTIN HEALTH ALLERGY/DERMATOLOGY ON STAFF

OFFICE HOURS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

VERO BEACH OFFICE

TUE & THU 8-3; FRI 8-11


PORT SAINT LUCIE OFFICE

MON & WED 8-3

OFFICE LOCATIONS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

VERO BEACH OFFICE:

Address:  3375 20th Street #140,  Vero Beach, FL  32960


PORT SAINT LUCIE OFFICE:

Address: 320 NW BETHANY Drive, Port Saint Lucie, FL  34986

OFFICE PHONES

OFFICE LOCATIONS

INSURANCE COVERAGE

VERO BEACH OFFICE:

Phone: 772-299-7299


PORT SAINT LUCIE OFFICE:

Phone: 772-621-9992

INSURANCE COVERAGE

PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Vero Beach Allergy & Dermatology accepts Medicare assignment, Blue Cross, Anthem, United, Cigna and most others

PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

Please call the Vero Beach or Port Saint Lucie office to chat with us, and remember you may need to stop anti-histamines several days before your allergy visit if you require skin testing.

OTHER QUESTIONS?

PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

PLEASE CALL US!

WE WANT TO HELP

ALLERGY DOCTORS PORT SAINT LUCIE and VERO BEACH

VERO BEACH - ALLERGY DOCTOR OFFICE

Southeast corner of 20th Street and 34th Avenue

PORT ST LUCIE - ALLERGY DOCTOR OFFICE

BEHIND the Publix at Saint Lucie West

Dermatologist Port Saint Lucie Allergist Vero Beach

ROSACEA

Rosacea often causes a reddish or flushed appearance especially around the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose. In some cases, rosacea appears on the chest, back, or neck. It can also affect the eyes.

INSECT BITES

Papular urticaria is an allergic reaction to insect bites or stings.  Insect bites frequently appear in clusters, with reddish dome-shaped bumps. They can appear to be sprinkled randomly and are often very itchy.  

DRUG REACTION

Medicines have been linked to virtually every type of rash, ranging from mild to life-threatening. The timing of the rash can also vary, and may not appear at the same time as when the drug is taken, which may confuse the situation.

CONTACT DERMATITIS

Contact dermatitis is causes by allergy with direct contact of the skin to a substance resulting in an allergic reaction. It is very common, and can even occur on the eyelids after use of nail polish.

PITYRIASIS ROSEA

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin problem and can cause scaly rash that spreads outward but often begins as a large circular spot on the chest, abdomen or back. The first spot is called a herald patch.

SHINGLES

Zoster, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection which causes a painful rash often with blisters in a localized area. Typically the rash occurs in a single area either on the left or right side of the body but sometimes on the face.

YEAST INFECTION

Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm, is a fungal infection which might appear on the arms and legs, especially on areas of the skin without hair.  Candidiasis is also a fungal infection and  

occurs in areas exposed to moisture. Common areas include the skin between the fingers and toes, and also in the groin.

POISON IVY

Poison ivy causes an allergic contact dermatitis from the oily resin called urushiol. It's found in the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. The resin is very sticky, so it clings to clothing, and also to your pet's fur. 

ACNE

Acne is triggered by Food? YES! Acne is familiar to most people, but few realize how many different options there are to treat acne. Dapsone, tretinoin, and even spironolactone are just a few of the highly effective treatments available. Importantly, cow's milk is linked to an increase in acne breakouts , and a low-glycemic diet is often helpful in controlling acne. 

WELCOME TO OUR PRACTICE

Find an Allergist, Find Relief!

Welcome to Vero Allergy & Dermatology!


Welcome to the website for Michael Wein, M.D.  Whether you’re learning about us for the first time, or you’re a long-time patient since we opened our doors over twenty years ago, we cover the fundamental aspects of allergy and dermatology to help get you up and running with your life, healthy and safe. We designed this website so you can learn about the basics of our practice. From setting up your first visit and establishing a treatment plan that's right for you, to the more advanced topics such as immunoglobulin replacement therapy, biologics, anti-leukotrienes, and allergy injection therapy, we’ve got you covered from start to finish. If you’ve been treating allergies for awhile now, you can jump around and find the topics most suitable to your needs. Thank you for taking this journey with us. We’d love your feedback. Join us on Facebook and let us know what topics you would like to know more about. Happy learning! — Dr. Michael Wein and the entire Vero Beach Allergy & Dermatology team.

Pollen from oak trees and other plants in the Port Saint Lucie area can wreak havoc on sinuses.

Invisible pollen from trees, grass  and weeds in the Port Saint Lucie  area can wreak havoc on sinus

What are some common allergens in Vero Beach?

Allergists know that people can be allergic to one or several allergens. The most common include pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander, foods, medications, penicillin, and stinging insects such as wasps.

Is there only one type of allergic reaction?

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis, sometimes called hay fever, is often caused by an allergy to the pollen of trees, grasses, weeds, or mold spores. Depending on what you are allergic to, the section of the country, and the pollination periods, seasonal allergic rhinitis may occur in the spring, summer, or fall and may last until the first frost. Suffering may result in spells of sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, runny nose, cough, headache, and sore throat. Seasonal allergies also can trigger asthma.
  • Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a itchy rash that often occurs on the hands, arms, legs, and neck, although it can cover the entire body. This condition is frequently associated with allergies, and many substances and sensitivities may aggravate it.
  • Contact dermatitis is a reaction affecting areas of the skin that become red, itchy, and inflamed after exposure to allergens or irritants such as plants, cosmetics, medications, metals, and chemicals. Sometimes the allergen is airborne.
  • Urticaria or hives are red, itchy, swollen areas of the skin that can vary in size and appear anywhere on the body. Approximately 25% of the U.S. population will experience an episode of hives at least once in their lives. Most common are acute cases of hives such as a reaction to a viral infection, medication, food, or latex. Some people have chronic hives that occur frequently for months to years with no clear trigger. Angioedema is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. It is not red or itchy, and most often occurs in soft tissue, such as the eyelids or mouth. Hives and angioedema may appear together or separately.

Michael Wein, MD Allergy & Dermatology in Vero Beach and Port Saint Lucie on staff at Cleveland Clin

Click for Port Saint Lucie information

ALLERGY TESTING AND TREATMENT

RAPID, ACCURATE ALLERGY SKIN TESTING

  

Dr. Michael Wein, M.D. has served as Chief of Allergy & Immunology at Indian River Medical Center for over 20 years. He is BOARD CERTIFIED by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and completed advanced training in Allergy, Asthma & Immunology at Johns Hopkins. Our staff can perform skin testing to pollen, mold, pets, penicillin and food. We also treat dermatologist / allergic skin conditions such as eczema and chronic hives. We also offer Pulmonary Function testing for the evaluation and treatment of asthma, and can also provide Xolair, Fasenra, Nucala and Benralizumab therapy for asthma as well as Omalizumab for chronic hives (urticaria). We also evaluate and treat recurrent infections and our office can provide SCIG and IVIG gamma globulin replacement therapy. An allergist and immunologist might be able to help.


Allergist and immunologist
We perform same-day, extremely accurate allergy skin testing in our Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach offices under close observation. You can leave our office knowing your exact allergies. 


Treatment of Allergies
We often recommend avoidance measures, prescribe medication such as antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes,  anti-cholinergics, decongestants, inhaled nasal steroids, asthma rescue inhalers, long-acting bronchodilators and many other anti-inflammatory medicines, but when enough relief isn’t obtained, allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a powerful vaccine which can reduce and in some cases completely eliminate allergy symptoms. This is known as allergy desensitization and can last for many years. Allergy shots is the only treatment that targets the underlying causes of allergies and alters the natural course of the disease.

Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, red bumps on the skin, often caused by al

Urticaria, also known as hives, are swollen  bumps  on the skin -- often caused by allergy.

WHY ARE MY ALLERGIES SO BAD THIS SEASON?

POLLEN AND MOLD IN PORT SAINT LUCIE AND VERO BEACH

   

Q: Why are my allergies worse than usual this year?


In Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach, the allergy season unfolds in a predictable fashion. Tree pollen season usually starts in January, especially Oak and Australian Pine but also Bayberry and a few others. Then the grass pollen season typically starts a few months later, with Bermuda, Bahia and other species found in the Vero Beach and Port Saint Lucie area. The pollen season in Indian River County, for example, often lasts most of the year. With precipitation and unseasonably warm weather, factors have combined to increase the peak and extend the season.


For management of allergy symptoms, the best recommendation is often avoidance measures combined with regular medication. It’s often important for allergy patients to be taking medication on a regular basis every day - whether they think they need it or not. Usually, allergists recommend that people anticipate the pollen season and begin taking medication early in the season - or better yet before the season starts.


It’s also important for allergy sufferers to keep the windows in a car and home closed with the air conditioning on. This can help cut down the indoor pollen counts by 90% or more. And sleeping with the windows closed is also key because a peak for pollen release is between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. as sunlight is a stimulus for some plants to release pollen.


Mold spores, more problems


Besides pollen, patients may also become sensitized to airborne mold spores. Molds can often be more of a problem than pollen, especially molds that are present in high amounts in damp, rainy conditions. Molds common in Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach include Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Cladosporium, but also many others.   More importantly, though, warm weather can be a particularly bad time for mold. There are molds that peak on days of maximum heat and humidity. So later in the summer, particularly from mid-July to early-September, is when the mold count gets very high.


This can make a bad combination for many people who are allergic to both one or more pollen and molds. This is a common pattern, and you might have these symptoms year-round and have a peak of symptoms in the spring and summer. Many patients are polys-ensitized, or allergic to multiple allergens. Sometimes people have classic symptoms of rhino-conjunctivitis (nasal and eye symptoms) that occur seasonally –and we know it’s likely from ragweed. Quite frequently, people have year-round symptoms and there are peaks in the certain times of the year. On skin testing they’re sensitized to pollen and molds, as well as dust mites and cat or dog dander.


Geographic differences relevant to Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach 'snowbirds' 


Complicating matters a bit further is that many locals are seasonal residents, and exposed to pollen in other areas geographically. For instance, in California, Bermuda grass is the major pollen allergen that triggers symptoms and ragweed isn’t an issue.  In Texas, it’s mountain cedar trees which pollinate early in the year, in January and February .


How to cope


While allergies can make you feel absolutely miserable, it doesn’t have to always be that way. A combination of avoidance and medication might help. For instance, closing the windows of your house (and your car when driving around) and using your air conditioner can greatly reduce the amount of pollen indoors.  Medication is also hugely important in helping to manage symptoms and keep you focused even when those pollen counts get high.  Intranasal steroids are the most effective medication for dealing with allergies. Available over-the-counter, Rhinocort, Nasacort and Flonase are intranasal steroids and are often effective. Another effective measure against allergies is oral antihistamines. If you’re going to take an antihistamine, you might choose one that’s either non-sedating or low-sedating. These, called second-generation antihistamines, include Claritin, Clarinex, Allegra, Zyrtec and Xyzal.


Allergists and Allergy shots


If these don’t work, there’s still hope. If you’re experiencing a level of symptoms that interferes with your desire to pursue activities or your symptoms are interfering with work or school performance, causing sleep disruption or sleep impairment despite avoidance measures and regular medications, you should see an allergist. Allergy shots, called allergen immunotherapy, are also an option for properly selected patients. The allergy shots offer the potential to affect the underlying allergic potential that drives symptoms.


With so many in Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach suffering from seasonal allergies, it’s important to seek out the right combination of remedies, including seeing an allergist. We frequently see patients who are suffering needlessly …and an allergist can help.

Youngster sneezing in a cartoon, surrounded by pollen

Pollen can cause runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing too.

POLLEN IN PORT SAINT LUCIE AND VERO BEACH - POLLEN CALENDAR

Pollen Calendar for Baltimore (not Port Saint Lucie)

Learn about pollen, especially in Vero Beach and Port Saint Lucie…

Pollen Count: What is it, how can it be measured and interpreted?


Pollen counts are available because allergists count pollen trapped in an air-sampling device, such as a Burkard Spore Trap or a rotating rod. Results show the number of pollen grains. The count is then converted into units of grains per cubic meter of air.  Tampa and Miami and the largest cities near Port Saint Lucie with pollen counting stations from the National Allergy Bureau.

How can you check the pollen count?

Several allergy office post the counts online. Simply enter your zip (even if you don't live in Vero Beach or Port Saint Lucie) to get a clear picture of the allergy and pollen forecast in your area. You can also contact your allergy office, or ask a nurse.

When are pollen counts highest?

Pollen levels vary based on location, season, and weather conditions. Warm, dry, and windy conditions have high pollen levels, while rain or cool weather reduces pollen levels. The spring season in Vero Beach and Port Saint Lucie is typically when pollen levels are highest in Port Saint Lucie, when oak and Australian Pine trees are in bloom and the car windshields are covered. Reports from allergist offices mostly show that counts are the highest in the morning, between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. It is important to note that in Port Saint Lucie many plants pollinate year round, so checking pollen counts throughout the year is helpful.

What is considered a high pollen count?

Pollen levels are often reported on a 0-12 scale, zero being the lowest and 12 highest.· 0-3: low pollen · 4-9: medium pollen· 10-12: very high pollen. Your allergist can help you learn more.

What can you do about high pollen count in Port Saint Lucie?

There's not much you can really do to prevent pollen from entering your nose and lungs, but checking pollen counts and knowing what to do with that information might help to plan you day and take measures to avoid certain activities.    

What are some common pollen species in Port Saint Lucie

Trees: Oak and Australian Pine; Grasses: Bermuda and Bahia; Weeds: Ragweed and Goldenrod. For more detailed information, see the database which includes Florida, though not specifically Vero Beach or Port Saint Lucie, the data is pretty close. POLLEN DATA

Common Florida Allergies - PORT SAINT LUCIE AND VERO BEACH

The goldenrod weed (Solidago sempervirens), is common in Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach

TREES, GRASS, AND WEEDS

Allergy to Florida Pollen - Trees, Grass and Weeds


Allergy is a reaction to a substance, such as pollen, mold, food, pet dander, or even a medication. Antibodies identify the protein in the allergen as an invading enemy and trigger an immune response.


Allergy reaction can be mild, or severe enough to need treatment or even emergency care.  A seasonal allergy, commonly referred to as hay fever, is also known as 'seasonal allergic rhinitis' 


In Florida, trees, grass and weeds flower in all seasons and continue producing pollen. 


Common Florida Allergens


Tree pollen season, especially Oak and Australian pine, runs from December through May. 

Grass pollen season, including Bahia and Bermuda grass, extends from April to October. 

Weed season for ragweed, goldenrod, sorrel and dog fennel is from May through December. 


Wind-blown allergens can travel for hundreds of miles. Just one plant produces more than one billion grains of pollen per season.


Ragweed is the best known, is found all over Florida, and is a major cause of allergies.  


Mold thrives in damp, humid, and cool environments, especially in decaying plant matter – leaves and grass clippings, compost piles and rotting, wet wood. Common species include outdoor molds such as Alternaria and Cladosporium but also indoor molds including Aspergillus and Penicillium.


Common Allergy Symptoms

  • Itchy, stinging, and watery eyes 
  • Scratchy throat and excess mucous
  • Runny nose, nasal congestion, watery nose
  • Asthma 
  • Fatigue
  • Congestion
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Swollen Eyelids
  • Wheezing


Is it allergy, or the flu, or just a cold: 


Allergy and the flu or a cold trigger similar symptoms – they can often be confused! Symptoms that last over two weeks may indicate allergies, but a fever suggests it is a viral infection and not an allergy.


Medical Steps in Planning for Allergies


One key is to start treatment proactively before symptoms appear.

1. Get tested to determine the specific pollens you are allergic to, as it takes about 15 minutes, does not require needles, and the results are available at the office the same day. Then, be sure to consider the allergist’s advice and perhaps prescriptions. Allergy injections can dramatically improve symptoms.

2. Allergy immunotherapy treatments introduce small doses of an allergen to gradually acclimatize your body and induce long-term tolerance. The results might surprise you.

3. Nasal saline sprays, anti-leukotrienes, and steroids may help reduce symptoms.

4. Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can also help.


Prevention


Track pollen counts in Port Saint Lucie at the National Allergy Bureau website (aaaai.org/nab) to minimize exposure. A local weather report may also include the pollen count.


Wear a dust mask to filter out pollen, especially when working outside.


Flush your eyes and wash hands often and keep them away from your face. Shower and wash hair after outdoor activities to remove any clinging pollen.


Change and wash all outdoor clothing promptly when returning to the home.

Avoid air-drying laundry outside.


Good Housekeeping for Combating Allergens


  • Use air conditioning in the car and home to filter the air. 
  • Clean your HVAC system regularly.
  • Purchase a HEPA filter unit to reduce allergens.
  • Remove indoor plants.
  • Keep bathrooms and kitchen dry, well-ventilated, perhaps purchase dehumidifier.
  • Consider replacing carpeted floors with wood or tile.
  • Prevent build-up and spread of mold by cleaning with bleach.


Treasure Coast residents enjoy many advantages, but pollen is one hurdle for some. At Vero Allergy & Dermatology, we offer testing, diagnosing, and treatment for allergy and asthma. If you’ve tried everything to treat your allergies, and nothing helps, call us for an appointment!

Many cities show up repeatedly on the Allergy Capitals LIST

Many cities show up repeatedly on the Allergy Capitals list each year. If pollen is a trigger for you, take extra precautions.

- POLLEN ALLERGY - HOW DOES YOUR CITY RANK? (pdf)

Download

WEEDS

DANDELION

DANDELION

DANDELION

 Although not airborne for long, dandelion pollen is abundant close to the ground. Dandelion is related to ragweed, a cause of allergy when sensitive individuals are very close to the source. 

Goldenrod

DANDELION

DANDELION

 Goldenrod blooms produce heavy  pollen, the wind carries it only a short distance, generally pollinated by insects. Ragweed on the other hand has lightweight pollen easily carried by  wind 

Ragweed

DANDELION

Ragweed

Ragweed is found throughout Florida, including Vero Beach and Port Saint Lucie

Ragweed gorws in fields, ditches, and produces over 60,000 seeds per plant.  The U.S. National Health survey found that 16 percent of Americans – 50 million people – are sensitive to ragweed pollen.  

Port Saint Lucie Allergy

MICHAEL WEIN, M.D.

Past President, Florida Allergy & Immunology Society

Johns Hopkins Trained

WELCOME TO VERO ALLERGY & DERMATOLOGY

Your home for relief from the discomfort and misery of all types of allergies.

No referral needed. Accepting new patients. Most insurances accepted.

We accept Blue Cross, Cigna, United, Medicare Assignment and most others.

We have allergy / dermatology offices conveniently located in Port Saint Lucie West and Vero Beach.

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Michael Wein, M.D.

(1) ADDRESS: 320 NW Bethany Dr Port Saint Lucie WEST, FL 34986 --- (2) ADDRESS: 3375 20th St Vero Beach, FL 32960

(772) 299-7299 / (772) 621-9992

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VERO BEACH ALLERGIST - PORT SAINT LUCIE ALLERGY